A stay at The Principal - York

The Principal Hotel offers a warm welcome to visitors arriving into the historic city of York, just steps from the train station.

The late Victorian building has been transformed after undergoing a major refurbishment and restoration by award winning interior architects Goddard Littlefair.

A grand staircase leads to a selection of 155 rooms and suites in calming neutral tones, and guests can relax in the elegant Garden Room with views of York Minster across the lawns, The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, Chapter House Bar and basement gym/pool.

After checking in our bags we headed off into the city for brunch.

It was cold, wet and rainy but we didn't have to wander far before arriving at the door of Burr coffee, candles flickering invitingly from within.

Burr is a lovely little place with tasty food and friendly service, the coffee and eggs royale were very good!

Back at the hotel we checked into our room for the night, room no 107, Knavesmire Suite.

We were thrilled to be shown to a super spacious junior suite looking out over the gardens, the Minster on the horizon.

The subtle tones and sophisticated styling of the room felt modern and tasteful.

We immediately felt at home and proceeded to hibernate for the rest of the afternoon.

Later on, the rain and wind were conjuring up a real storm outside as we set out for dinner, making it extra hard to leave the comfort of our newly adopted abode.

We found ourselves returning to an old favourite restaurant, Rustique, a French bistro which consistently delivers great food.

Their traditional French onion soup deserves a mention, complete with islands of molten cheesy croutons bobbing on the surface, it's always a winner and provided the ultimate comfort on a wintery night such as this.

Back at the hotel I warmed my bones with a midnight soak in the tub of dreams.

I disappeared into the vast expanse of heavenly scented lather accompanied by a chilled glass of prosecco which had ever so kindly been left in our room, then swaddled in my robe, floated back to the comfort of our king sized bed and was swiftly drifting off to the land of nod.

Come morning we took full advantage of the standard late check out time of 12 mid day, a small detail but one that I personally love!

That extra hour makes all the difference allowing you to completely relax and take your time to enjoy a later rise and leisurely breakfast.

Buffet style breakfast is served in the The Refectory including fresh juices, fruits, yoghurt, cereals, granola, muesli, pastries, muffins, croissants as well as porridge, full English and full Vegetarian (as shown above -veggies just ask your waiter and this option will be cooked to order)

I particularly liked the design of this room with it's greenhouse style ambiance. Plenty of plants and lots of natural sunlight.

Following breakfast we braved the elements and took to the city walls for a blustery walk.

It's a lovely way to see the sights and a reminder of how steeped in history York is.

You can currently enjoy champagne dinner, bed and breakfast at The Principal York for £175* for 2.

Book by 28th February for stays until the end of March using promo code WHOLEHOG -click here for more info.

My stay at the Principal was complimentary in exchange for this review, however, all views and opinions are my own. Many thanks to The Principal for your support in collaboration to make this post possible.